YQQ Issues Annual Holiday Travel Tips

VANCOUVER, Dec. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) has issued its top ten holiday travel tips to help passengers plan ahead for the upcoming holiday travel season:

1. Check out YQQ's holiday hours.
2. Arrive to the airport early.
3. Plan for parking.
4. Investigate check-in options.
5. Know your baggage requirements.
6. Transport gifts appropriately.
7. Help keep the security line moving.
8. Have your ID ready.
9. Check out your airline's holiday pet policy.
10. Don't be a Grinch!

"We've consulted with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, our airlines and our own management team to create this list of travel tips for our passengers to help make their journeys as smooth as possible," said YQQ CEO Fred Bigelow. "Our goal is to minimize stress as much as possible for those travelling during this busy time of year."

Bigelow says YQQ is expecting to see a significant increase in terminal traffic beginning around the third week in December and continuing until a few days after the New Year.

The terminal's busiest day will likely be December 21 with more than an estimated 1,300 passengers travelling that day.

"We are anticipating up to 2,600 people per day will be moving through the terminal building on any given day over the holidays, including guests who are dropping off or picking up passengers," said Bigelow.  "This is always an exciting time at YQQ and with the right amount of preparation; travel over the holiday season can be an enjoyable experience for all."

YQQ is gearing up for the increased traffic by assigning additional staff and volunteers during peak hours.  The airport is also engaging in regular communication with its tenants about terminal hours of operation and changing flight schedules.

Information regarding terminal hours, parking and links to all of YQQ airlines are available on the Comox Valley Airport website at: www.comoxairport.com. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website also has helpful packing, travel and security tips at: catsa.gc.ca.

BACKGROUNDER
December 12, 2012

YQQ Holiday Season Travel Tips

1.	Check out YQQ's holiday hours - The terminal building is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. with the following exceptions:
	December 24 - 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. December 25 - 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. December 26 - 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. December 31 - 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. January 1 - 7 a.m. to 11 p.m
2.	Arrive to the airport early - Check with your airline to determine what time you should arrive to the airport and give yourself some additional time if necessary.  This will ensure that you have plenty of time to check-in and move through security without feeling rushed.
3.	Plan for parking - There are ample parking spaces available at YQQ, but please be aware that our lot can fill up during the busiest travel days and it might take a bit longer to find a parking space than usual.  Allocate some additional time for parking and don't forget to purchase a ticket!  Parking rates at YQQ are $60/week for the paved lot and $42/week for the gravel lot.  More information can be found on the YQQ website at: comoxairport.com/parking.
4.	Investigate check-in options - Check with your airline to determine if there are options for web, kiosk or mobile phone check in to help save time when you arrive at the airport.
5.	Know your baggage requirements - Check with your airline to ensure that you have the latest information about baggage restrictions.  Be prepared if any extra charges may apply to you.  If you have any items that you are unsure about, call your airline prior to arriving at the airport so that you can avoid any unnecessary delays while checking in for your flight.
6.	Transport gifts appropriately - Keep all gifts (whether packed in your carry-on or suitcase) unwrapped until you arrive at your destination point.
7.	Help keep the security line moving - Ensure that all personal toiletry items such as liquids, aerosols and gels are packaged in containers with a capacity of 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less.  The containers must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag, with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. One plastic bag per person is allowed and must be removed from carry-on baggage.  Any containers over 100 ml should be placed in checked baggage. Visit the Canadian Air Transport Security website at: catsa.gc.ca for packing, travel and security screening tips.
8.	Have your ID ready - Regardless of age, all guests require identification. Make sure you have the proper identification for you and your children.  If you are travelling out of country be sure that you your passport is in good condition and that you are aware of the entry and exit requirements for the country to which you are travelling.
9.	Check out your airlines holiday pet policy - Some airlines do not accept pets for travel in checked baggage during the holiday rush.  Be sure to check with your airline ahead of time if you plan to travel with a pet.
10.	Don't be a Grinch! - Expect that the airport will be busy and lineups may be longer than usual.  Maintaining good cheer and having respect for YQQ's staff, volunteers, tenants and other passengers will help to ensure an enjoyable holiday travel experience for all.

SOURCE: Comox Valley Airport

Media Contact:

Christianne Wile
Comox Valley Airport
Phone. [phone] ext. 253
Cell. 250-218-2249
[email protected]